Why Smart Car Key Programming Is Your Next Big Obsession

Vehicle Smart Key Technology

Smart keys for vehicles allow a driver to unlock and start the car simply by pressing the door handle or placing the key in the pocket. It also permits various other adjustments like seat position as well as internal temperature settings and mirror positioning.

However, this could also lead to security concerns.

Security

Smart keys are advanced key fobs with computers that communicate with a vehicle via one of the antennas in the car to open the doors and begin the engine. In contrast to conventional keys that emit the identical frequency signal each time they are activated, smart keys transmit encrypted signals that are only compatible with the specific vehicle they belong to. This makes it much more difficult for tech-savvy criminals to intercept or spoof the signal, and then use your key to steal your vehicle.

Mercedes' Keyless Go system for instance, has an internal transponder that can identify the key of the driver. The Smart Key automatically unlocks and opens the doors and tailgate when it is within 1.5 meters. It also turns on the engine by pressing the key.

Certain smart car key fob keys, like the ones from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, also come with user-specific settings that permit users to alter the seat, mirrors, steering wheel position, and even audio preferences with the press of a single button. They also come with a backup lock that prevents the vehicle from running without the key.

This technology stops drivers from not locking their cars properly particularly when they are searching backpacks or purses to find keys in the parking lot of strangers, or on a street where crime is high. Some systems will also notify drivers when the battery of their key is depleted, though this feature can vary by the manufacturer.

Convenience

The smart key is perfect for those who are in a hurry to get somewhere. By pressing the button on the trunk release or door handle you can lock, unlock and open your vehicle. Popular Mechanics explains that the key fob can also be used for tracking charging or location as well as other information about your vehicle.

You don't want to accidentally lock your keys in the car. The key fob communicates to an antenna in the vehicle to determine if it's within range. If it's not, the engine will not start. This will deter thieves from absconding with your vehicle and selling its parts.

BMW reports that the smart key replacement Near me key makes use of rolling codes in order to ward off hacking and cloning. The vehicle's computer can recognize and verify the code prior to starting the motor. A majority of systems also have a mechanical backup in the form of an unnoticed key blade to serve as a styling tool.

Modern smart keys also detect the key that is being used and adjust the vehicle settings accordingly, notes How Stuff Works Electronics. If you turn on the vehicle while holding the key in your hands, for example, the windows and the sunroof will be opened to let air circulate the interior. You can also set a speed limit that will only be in effect when the car is started using the specified key, a feature that could be helpful when lending your vehicle to a novice driver.

Battery Life

If you're looking for a way to get more mileage out of your vehicle's smart key, or just want to make sure it won't die during a trip to the grocery store, you can activate an auto manufacturer-specific feature called Power Saving Mode. To activate this feature, hold the lock button, then press the unlock button.

This will prevent your smart key fob to send or receive any radio waves. This will significantly increase its battery life. You can always restart the function by pressing the unlock and lock button again.

Certain smart keys have anti-theft functions that prevent them being stolen by thieves. For example, Mercedes-Benz new smart car key keys use rolling codes to stop unauthorized access to the vehicle. The computer in the car examines the code in milliseconds after the new smart car key key is placed. BMW uses a Display Key that has a small LCD color screen. This allows drivers to lock their cars, unlock them, and start the engine without having to take the smart key from their pockets.

Contact Pop-A-Lock if your need to replace the battery on your smart key fob, or should you be thinking of purchasing a car with smart-key. We can replace the battery in any smart key, and our mobile locksmiths will help you set the system so that your vehicle can recognize it.

Special Cases

Although smart keys aren't secure against theft, they can help to stop thieves. replacement smart key keys utilize rolling security codes to avoid theft, and when placed in the ignition, the car's computer validates the code within milliseconds. Mercedes-Benz invented this technology, which is currently used by luxury car manufacturers.

Another helpful feature is that many smart key systems will continue to work in the event that the user forgets the key in the trunk or left it in the restaurant, or lost it on an excursion. Certain systems will also notify the driver when the battery is running low. Certain brands provide key covers specifically designed for smart keys that protect the fob from harm.